This recipe was a total mishap but it turns out to be one of my husband’s favorites!! A couple of weeks ago we strayed from the menu because we were so wanting Chicken and Noodles. So I put a split chicken in the crock pot in 2.5 cups of water and cooked it all night on low!! It smelled so good!! The next morning I was up shredding and picking the bones out of the chicken! That is when the phone rang and we received a dinner invitation we could not refuse! So I put a Ziploc bag of shredded chicken in the frig!! The next day, I wanted to make sure I used the chicken…

Ever since a trip to Italy years ago, I’ve been in search of the perfect Pomodoro. It’s a fabulous summer recipe, light and healthy. After many years, I’m proud and happy to say, I just made it up myself! Thus, it is super easy!

First, place the tomatoes in the broiler, sprayed with olive oil, and sprinkled with a bit of salt and basil. Broil until tender (10-15 minutes).

Cool.
Mash.
Add parmesan cheese.
Add 2 tbs. of olive oil
Mix.

That’s it! Pour on pasta and top with fresh mozarella!

I’ve already made it twice this week and my 6 year old loved it. Here’s another tip: make a whole pot of it and keep adding stuff. Great options: roasted vegetables like zucchinis and mushrooms, meat, eggplant, bacon. The possibilities are endless.

I also used it to make bruschettas for lunch one day. How’s that for practical.
The secret was the cheese — which I didn’t realize until I re-created my grandmother’s famous bolognese sauce.

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Practical Mommy is Ria Sharon, co-creator of the Yoga Parenting course. Are you ready for parenting to be easier, more fun and less stressful?

Oh no! It’s 5:30 you just arrived home from toddler ballet, the baby is crying and her siblings are getting restless. As you toss them a pretzel rod and rummage through your kitchen cabinets, your thinking I have to be more organized, there has to be a better way. There is a better way to feed your starving children, yourself and significant other without, cutting short on nutrition and making 2 meals (one for you and one for the kids. I used to be so guilty of that) Here are a few things to do, which will get you through those time crunch hours.

1) Always keep ingredients of a few favorite meals in your pantry. I love Annie’s organic Mac and Cheese or a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies mixed with chicken. Anything you can think of that takes about 15 minutes to make.

2) Keep a running list of things you run out of on your fridge or somewhere close by. Soon as you see you are out or low on something, jot it down.

3) Have a meal you and your spouse love, but this kids not so much? Make your meal, but omit the sauce for the kids or don’t combine it all together. Whatever their issue is with it, simplify and enjoy the meal the way you want it too.

4) “Don’t knock till you try it, put a little on your plate! Some kids think it’s great!” This was a little jingle sung by some cartoon on Saturday mornings when I was a kid. It has always stuck with me. Remember your kids watch your reactions to food and should be encouraged to try it before making any “Yucky” comments.

5) Slow cookers can be your best friends. Find a few of your favorite crock pot recipes and take the time to do a least one a week. A great meal that you literally just had to throw together.

6) Resort to take out! I know some days we just don’t have it in us. Find the best 3 take out places around you and ask about their most nutritious dishes. Another option is to stick to a main dish and you add the fruit and veggies at home.

This is a good start! Don’t forget that some stores offer personal shopping and all you have to do is pick it up! Not a bad way to go even if you use it only once in a while. Remember to make you plan, have a few things to fall back on, try new things, Betty Crocker knew what she was talking about with the slow cooker and never be afraid to ask for help. That’s what good friends ( and spouses) are for.